Archbishop Michael Byrnes, who was named as Apuron's eventual replacement, has said a verdict was reached in October in Apuron's canonical trial. There is no information yet from the Vatican about whether the allegations against Apuron were proven, the archdiocese has stated.

“As I l ... face the final judgment approaching evermore close, ... I deny all allegations of sexual abuse made against me.”

Archbishop Anthony Apuron

The Vatican put Apuron on trial in 2016, months after former altar boys accused him of sexually abusing or raping them in the 1970s when he was a parish priest in Agat. The latest lawsuit, by his nephew, Mark Apuron, states Apuron raped him in the chancery bathroom in or around 1989 or 1990, when Apuron was already archbishop.

Apuron 'lost interest in this world'

Archbishop Apuron's statement was sent to Dr. Ricardo Eusebio, who then forwarded it to the media.

"As I lay sick after another surgery and I face the final judgment approaching evermore close, having lost interest in this world, God is my witness: I deny all allegations of sexual abuse made against me, including this last one," Apuron wrote.

The archbishop said all the events related to sexual abuse allegations against him are helping him to direct his hope toward the only righteous judge, adding that he's very thankful. However, he stated that his nephew's allegation was "mentored and promoted by the same source" and "particularly timed to influence" the Vatican's canonical trial verdict. He did not name the source.

“All these allegations have been mentored and promoted by the same source.”

Archbishop Anthony Apuron

"However, by the timing of this latest accusation that alleges an act which supposedly happened in incredible circumstances and surroundings," Apuron said. "All these allegations have been mentored and promoted by the same source and this one seems particularly timed to influence the verdict of the Vatican trial conducted by the Holy See, as a last resort out of fear that I may be exonerated."

Apuron: Agenda driving allegations

Toward the end of his letter, Apuron prayed that truth may prevail as he also prays for his accusers.

"As the Church in Guam is being destroyed by people who have only their power agenda at heart, may God have mercy on us all and save His Church from the powers of darkness," he said. "I pray that the truth may prevail; I pray for my accusers: fill them with what they desire; as for me, when I awake, I will be satisfied with Your face, oh Lord (Ps. 17,15)"

Apuron's statement was issued a week after his nephew, Mark Apuron, filed a lawsuit in federal court, accusing the archbishop of raping him when he was around the age of 15 or 16.

“Church in Guam is being destroyed by people who have only their power agenda at heart.”

Archbishop Anthony Apuron

Mark Apuron's lawsuit is the fifth clergy sex abuse case filed against Archbishop Apuron. Mark Apuron, represented by attorney David Lujan, said in his lawsuit that he was ashamed and embarrassed to tell his family what the archbishop, whom he used to call "Uncle Tony," did to him.